The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.